Advent: Waiting in Joyful Hope

Happy New Year!  Yesterday our Church began a new liturgical year on the First Sunday of Advent.  This marks the beginning of Year C in the liturgical cycle.

Advent is a time of waiting in which we prepare our hearts for the birth of Jesus.  During this season we are invited to slow down and take time to reflect on what the birth of Jesus means to us.

During the first week of Advent, we light the first purple candle on the Advent wreath.  This is the “hope” candle.  The light of this candle reminds us of the coming of Jesus, the light of our world, who brings us hope. The candle also reminds us that we can be sources of hope for others.  What are some ways that you can bring hope to those around you during Advent this year?